Virginia Comes Up Short Against Wake Forest, 27-20

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Box Score Nov. 5, 2016

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WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) Running back Taquan Mizzell accounted for 159 total yards and a touchdown on Saturday, as Virginia fell to Wake Forest 27-20.

Wake Forest trailed 20-17 early in the fourth quarter, and the Cavaliers had opportunities to build on the advantage. But as has often been the case in the Deacons’ wins under coach Dave Clawson, the team’s defense made momentum-shifting plays.

On consecutive fourth quarter drives, Virginia’s Kurt Benkert threw interceptions. Wake Forest capitalized on them both.

Mike Weaver’s 36-yard field goal following the first of those picks made it 20-all , and safety Jessie Bates returned the second 39 yards for the go-ahead touchdown with 6:47 remaining.

UP NEXT:

Wake Forest: The Deacons will play their final road game of the season next Saturday when they travel to No. 5 Louisville. Wake Forest has not beaten a nationally-ranked opponent since knocking off then-No. 22 Florida State 35-30 in 2011, and it has not beaten a team ranked in the top 5 since a 1946 win at then-No. 4 Tennessee.

Virginia: The Cavaliers return to Charlottesville to host Miami next Saturday. That will be UVA’s final home game before ending the season with trips to Georgia Tech and rival Virginia Tech.